Dear Friends,
During the summer, the counselors and facilitators at the Seeds of Peace Camp in Maine pour their energy, values and training into new Seeds. Now that it is fall, we are seeing those months of dedication yield significant results as those Seeds engage their communities.
At this time of harvest, our Seeds are producing powerful programs and having a real impact back home. South Asia Seeds are engaging as social entrepreneurs, working with Ashoka to develop solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing their communities. In Pakistan, for example, Seeds are organizing a program for Muslim, Christian and Hindu students to foster interfaith understanding and tolerance.
Meanwhile, 42 Palestinian and Israeli Seeds met in Jerusalem last week to harvest olives and engage in dialogue. As a sign of commitment to their own communities, the resulting olive oil will be sold to benefit two local institutions: a hospital that serves cancer patients and an ecumenical center that regularly hosts Seeds of Peace events. One such event will take place next month, when our Seeds will come together to explore issues of statehood and diplomacy in these critical times.
More programming highlights are available in the just-published Seeds of Peace In Action newsletter. Read about the Seas of Peace program and People Power summit in Jordan, as well as the Seeds of Peace professional facilitation training course which is just getting underway.
At this time of giving thanks, I would like share my gratitude for your support, and your belief in the work of our 5,000 Seeds and Educators around the world.
On behalf of all the members of our Seeds of Peace family, Happy Thanksgiving!
Leslie Adelson Lewin
Executive Director